The U.S. Coast Guard rescued two people from a 35-foot sailing vessel taking on water due to sea conditions Monday in the vicinity of West End, Bahamas.

Watchstanders with Coast Guard 7th District Command Center received a call from a good Samaritan who reported three people aboard a sailing vessel in distress due to sea conditions. The watchstanders directed the launch of a Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew to assist.

The helicopter crew arrived on scene, hoisted two of the three people and safely transferred them to Freeport, Bahamas. The owner requested to remain aboard the vessel, which is about 500 yards from shore near Grand Bahama Island until the weather improves.

Local Bahamian authorities will remain in contact with the vessel and monitor the situation to assist if conditions worsen.